Anyway, out with the old, in with the new. Er... wait... That doesn't make sense... 2001 to 1980. More like out with the new in with the old!!!

Ok, so the cat is out of the bag, I bought a 1980 CJ5. GREAT condition, POS drivetrain. So what am I to do? Swap in an LS1 motor. These pics are from the ad. I haven't gotten any of her yet myself, so these will have to do.

And of course, I've already got my build sheet planned out. You can follow most of my build just from watching me update this page.

Well, the PO bought it because of the frame and body. He said they were in the best shape he'd ever seen a CJ5 with. And, after inspection, I agreed.

There are a few spots, but nothing that can't be fixed. I'll probably end up welding on all new body mounts and getting new body mount bushings as one of the first things after the rear axle swap.

Just a few tiny rust bubbles under the paint in a few spots other than that. I'm going to take it to a REAL paint shop and have them bleed out the cancer under the paint. Then depending on what it looks like afterwards, I might have them give it a new coat. (Lots of $$ right there)

Heh... I was thinking and talking to a few guys... I might just do a 60 in the rear for clearance. That way I can run the 38s without ever worrying about breaking anything

Yup, clearancing a 14 bolt is no small task. Plenty of junkyards up here in MD with late 70's, early 80's ford trucks as well if you have any trouble finding them in VA. Although I'd just keep my eye on pirate. Finding some old built project axles would be a good bet. Anything with 35 spline axles and perches already done (SOA?) would be a good fit.

Also, I'll be moving down to Quantico, VA in July. Hopefully you're project will be well on its way by then and we can do another run at Crozet or two.

LHA-1 USS Tarawa. Should be fun. One of about 20 airdales on the whole freaking boat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXST8tj

anxious to see what you're going to do with the 5. i could use some good ideas for my 79.

what do you have planned for the suspension?

Just the way you see it for now. It's already got 4" SUA on it and 33s, so that's how it'll stay. I might swap in a set of 44s front and rear just to get me by until I can afford to go 1 ton. Then I'll probably 4 link it on both ends with either coilovers or air shocks.